Sex crimes are some of the most serious offenses that a person can be charged with in Wisconsin. Even the accusation of a sexual offense can be devastating. If you have been arrested for or charged with a sex crime, you need to speak to an attorney about your rights.
At Singleton Law Firm, we represent individuals who are facing accusations of sex crimes in Milwaukee and Waukesha. Our lawyers are dedicated advocates who will help you understand your rights and defend against the charges. We know the law and are committed to helping our clients seek justice. If you are facing sex crime charges, contact our office at (262) 581-4114 to schedule a free, confidential consultation.
What Is Considered a Sex Crime in Wisconsin?
In Wisconsin, many sex offenses are charged under the broad umbrella of sexual assault. Sexual assaults are broken down into four categories, first through fourth-degree, with first-degree sexual assaults being the most serious. A few sex crimes, such as prostitution and solicitation, are considered separate offenses.
Common Sex Offenses Under Wisconsin Law
- Sexual Assault: In Wisconsin, a large percentage of sex crimes are charged as sexual assaults. Depending on the type of crime, the victim, and other factors, they will be charged with a first through fourth-degree assault. Except for fourth-degree, all other sexual assault charges are considered felonies.
- Indecent Exposure: Indecent exposure falls under the crime of lewd and lascivious behavior. Section 944.20 of the Wisconsin Statutes notes that a person may be charged with a Class A misdemeanor if they commit an indecent act of sexual gratification while others are around or expose their genitals publicly.
- Prostitution: Under state law, a person may be charged with prostitution if they have or offer to have “nonmarital intercourse for anything of value.” If convicted, a person may face a Class A misdemeanor punishable by up to nine months in jail and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
- Solicitation: If a person intentionally solicits a person to engage in prostitution, they may be convicted of a Class H felony. A Class H felony is punishable by up to six years in prison and a fine not to exceed $10,000.
If you are charged with a sex crime, you could face significant penalties. That’s why it’s so important to consult with a sex crime defense attorney as early in the process as possible. An attorney can help determine how to proceed with your case.
Misdemeanor vs. Felony Sex Crimes
Sex crimes in Wisconsin are categorized as either misdemeanors or felonies, with felonies carrying significantly harsher penalties and long-term consequences.
Misdemeanor Sex Crimes
These are less severe offenses, though still very serious. Examples include Fourth-Degree Sexual Assault and Indecent Exposure. A conviction for a Class A misdemeanor can result in up to nine months in county jail and fines up to $10,000. While misdemeanors do not typically lead to mandatory prison time, a sex crime conviction, even a misdemeanor, can still lead to mandatory sex offender registration.
Felony Sex Crimes
The vast majority of sex offenses in Wisconsin are charged as felonies. These include First, Second, and Third-Degree Sexual Assault, Prostitution (if involving a minor), Solicitation (Class H felony), and all child pornography offenses. Felony convictions often lead to years or even decades in state prison, substantial fines, and almost always require mandatory lifetime sex offender registration.
The distinction between a misdemeanor and a felony profoundly impacts your future, making a robust legal defense absolutely critical.
Potential Penalties for Sex Crime Convictions
A conviction for a sex crime in Wisconsin is not just a legal hurdle; it's a life-altering event with severe consequences that extend well beyond the courtroom.
Prison Time and Fines
The specific class of felony (e.g., Class B, C, G, H) dictates the range of potential prison time and fines. For example:
- Class B Felony (e.g., First-Degree Sexual Assault): Up to 60 years in prison.
- Class C Felony (e.g., Second-Degree Sexual Assault): Up to 40 years in prison and fines up to $100,000.
- Class G Felony (e.g., Third-Degree Sexual Assault): Up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $25,000.
- Class H Felony (e.g., Solicitation): Up to 6 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
While felony convictions typically result in much harsher penalties, misdemeanor convictions can result in up to 9 months in jail and fines up to $10,000.
Mandatory Sex Offender Registration
For most felony sex offenses, and even some misdemeanors, a conviction will require you to register as a sex offender with the Wisconsin Department of Corrections. This registration is often for life.
Being on the sex offender registry means your personal information, including your name, address, photograph, and details of your conviction, will be publicly accessible. This registration significantly restricts where you can live, work, and even visit, creating immense challenges for reintegration into society.
Long-Term Consequences on Employment and Reputation
Beyond the direct legal penalties, a sex crime conviction carries a heavy social and professional stigma. Such as:
- Employment: Many professions and industries, particularly those involving children, vulnerable populations, or positions of trust, will become permanently inaccessible. Even jobs in unrelated fields may be difficult to secure due to background checks and the public nature of sex offender registration.
- Housing: Finding suitable housing can become a nightmare, as many landlords and communities have restrictions or outright bans on renting to registered sex offenders.
- Social Isolation: The public nature of the registry and the societal stigma associated with sex crimes can lead to ostracism from friends, family, and community groups.
- Personal Relationships: Maintaining or forming personal relationships can become exceedingly difficult.
- Educational Opportunities: Enrollment in higher education or specialized training programs may be denied.
- Loss of Rights: You may lose your right to vote, own firearms, and hold certain professional licenses.
What to Do If You’re Accused of a Sex Crime in Waukesha
The period immediately following a sex crime accusation or arrest is critical. Every decision you make and every word you say can profoundly impact the outcome of your case.
Avoiding Self-Incrimination
The most important advice we can give you is to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement. Do not try to explain your side of the story, deny anything, or provide any information without an attorney present. Police are trained to gather evidence, and anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Even seemingly innocent statements can be twisted or misinterpreted.
Understanding Your Rights
You have fundamental constitutional rights when facing criminal charges:
- The Right to Remain Silent: You are not obligated to speak with police or answer their questions. Invoke this right immediately.
- The Right to an Attorney: You have the right to have a lawyer present during all questioning and throughout the legal process. Do not waive this right. Request an attorney immediately.
- The Right to Due Process: You are entitled to a fair legal process, including the right to confront your accusers and present a defense.
Why Early Legal Representation Matters
The moments and days after an accusation are crucial for building a strong defense. The sooner you engage a Waukesha criminal defense attorney, the better your chances of a favorable outcome. Benefits include:
- Protecting Your Rights: An attorney will ensure law enforcement respects your constitutional rights and will intervene if they attempt to violate them.
- Controlling the Narrative: Your attorney can communicate with investigators on your behalf, preventing you from inadvertently making incriminating statements.
- Preserving Evidence: Critical evidence that could exonerate you might be lost or destroyed if not quickly secured. An attorney can act swiftly to preserve witness statements, surveillance footage, digital evidence, and more.
- Identifying Weaknesses in the Prosecution's Case: An experienced attorney can begin to analyze the accusations, scrutinize the evidence (or lack thereof), and identify potential defenses even before charges are formally filed.
- Early Intervention: In some cases, a skilled attorney can intervene during the investigation phase, potentially preventing charges from being filed or negotiating for lesser charges.
Do not delay. Your freedom and future depend on swift and decisive legal action.
How a Waukesha Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
At The Singleton Law Firm, our approach to defending against Waukesha sex crime charges is comprehensive, aggressive, and highly personalized. We understand that every case is unique, and we tailor our criminal defense strategy to the specific facts and circumstances you face. Our services include:
- Thorough Investigation: Reviewing police reports, witness statements, and forensic evidence.
- Challenging Evidence: Identifying inconsistencies or rights violations.
- Developing Defense Strategies: Exploring defenses such as false accusations, mistaken identity, or lack of evidence.
- Negotiating with Prosecutors: Seeking reduced charges or favorable plea agreements.
- Courtroom Advocacy: Vigorously defending you at trial.
- Post-Conviction Relief: Exploring appeals or other remedies if applicable.
Why Choose Singleton Law Firm?
Choosing the right criminal defense attorney in Waukesha is the most important decision you will make after an accusation. The Singleton Law Firm stands out for several reasons:
- Specialized Focus: We have a deep and proven focus on criminal defense, particularly for serious charges like sex crimes. We stay abreast of the latest legal developments and defense strategies in this complex area of law.
- Extensive Experience: Our attorneys possess years of experience successfully defending individuals against sex crime charges in Waukesha, Milwaukee, and throughout Wisconsin's legal system. We understand the nuances of local courts and prosecution tactics.
- Client-Centered Approach: We recognize the immense stress and fear you are experiencing. We provide compassionate, confidential, and non-judgmental legal counsel, ensuring you are fully informed and supported at every stage of the process.
- Aggressive Advocacy: We are not afraid to challenge the toughest cases and stand up to powerful prosecutors. Our commitment is to relentlessly fight for your rights and your future.
- Proven Results: While past results don't guarantee future outcomes, our firm has a track record of achieving favorable results for our clients, including dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges.
Frequently Asked Questions About Waukesha Sex Crime Charges
Can I Be Charged Without Physical Evidence?
Yes. While physical evidence (like DNA or fingerprints) can be crucial, it is often not required for a sex crime charge or even a conviction. Many sex crime cases rely heavily on witness testimony, including that of the alleged victim, circumstantial evidence, or digital communications. A skilled attorney can challenge the credibility of witnesses and the sufficiency of circumstantial evidence.
What If the Accusation Is False?
False accusations of sex crimes, while rare, do happen and can be devastating. If you are a victim of a false accusation, it is imperative to act quickly. Our firm can investigate the accuser's motives, uncover inconsistencies in their story, gather evidence that contradicts their claims (such as alibis, text messages, or witness statements), and aggressively fight to expose the truth and clear your name.
Will I Have to Register as a Sex Offender?
Not necessarily, but it is a very strong possibility for most sex crime convictions. Whether you will have to register as a sex offender depends on the specific crime you are convicted of. Most felony sex offenses in Wisconsin carry mandatory lifetime registration requirements. Even some misdemeanor sex offenses can trigger registration. Our primary goal is to prevent a conviction that would lead to registration, and we will explore all avenues to achieve that.
How Long Does the Legal Process Take?
The duration of a sex crime case varies greatly depending on its complexity, the evidence involved, court schedules, and whether it goes to trial. Some cases may resolve in a few months through plea negotiations, while others, particularly those involving extensive investigations or complex legal arguments, can take a year or more to reach a resolution. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline once they have reviewed the details of your case.
Contact our Sex Crimes Attorney in Waukesha Today
The moment you are aware of a sex crime accusation, your future is on the line. Do not speak to law enforcement without legal representation. Do not delay in seeking advice. The experienced Waukesha sex crimes attorneys at The Singleton Law Firm are ready to provide the aggressive, knowledgeable defense you need.
We offer a free, confidential consultation to discuss your situation and outline your legal options. Time is of the essence. Contact us immediately to protect your rights and begin building your defense.
